It’s common in football that when players score against their former clubs, they often choose not to celebrate. This is a gesture of respect towards the club they once represented and its supporters. Such moments are a familiar sight on the football pitch.
Last night, after Benfica’s 2–2 draw with Boca Juniors, Argentine winger Ángel Di María followed this tradition. After scoring a penalty in added time of the first half against Boca Juniors, Di María deliberately refrained from celebrating in the usual manner. In fact, he even raised his hand in a gesture that looked like an apology.
At first glance, many might assume Di María held back from celebrating because he once played for Boca Juniors. But the truth is, Di María has never played for Boca. Throughout his entire career, the only Argentine club he has represented is Rosario Central, where he began his youth career.
The World Cup winner turned professional with Rosario Central in 2005. After the Club World Cup, Di María will return to Rosario Central from Benfica. So the question arises: if Rosario Central is his sole Argentine club, why did he seemingly apologize after scoring against Boca Juniors? Or did he actually apologize at all?
Di María answered this himself after the match. When asked if he had apologized to Boca Juniors after scoring, he said, “No, no… I was just exchanging greetings with my family members who were there. Everyone says I’m apologizing. But no, that was not an apology.”
He also expressed gratitude toward Boca Juniors fans for their support on the field, saying, “It feels really good that fans other than those of Central are also appreciating me. I’m wearing a different jersey now, but still, the fans supported me and I am grateful for that.”
Earlier in the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Benfica found themselves under pressure after conceding two goals within 27 minutes to the Argentine club. However, two Argentines helped bring the Portuguese club back into the game. Di María reduced the deficit with his goal in added time of the first half, and later, Nicolás Otamendi equalized in the 84th minute. The match ended in a 2–2 draw.
